Vernon and District Funtastic Sports Society's streak of giving back to the community continues.
A total of 13 applications were received for funds from Funtastics Community Grants Program, having now reached 38 years of helping out local groups.
"Our mission is 'Building a Better Community Through Sport,' and we at the Funtastic Sports Society proudly invited qualifying community groups to submit applications for 2025," said society president Jamie Austin.
"Since 1985, through our grant program, we have donated back more than $2.4 million to the community."
This year’s recipients of the Funtastic Sports Society Community Grants are:
• Vernon Curling and Athletic Club, $6,000, for livestream enhancements and youth helmets;
• Buoyant Buddies, North Okanagan Dragon Boat Society, $3,500, for personal flotation devices (PFDs);
• Community Recreational Initiatives Society, $4,000, for an e-assist kit for a tandem Terra Trike Rover;
• Vernon Adaptive program (Vernon Paddling Centre Society), $1,500, for an adaptable canoe.
These organizations will receive their financial donations on Saturday, June 28, during the Funtastic Music Festival.
The purpose of the Funtastic Community Investment Grant is to provide financial support to non-profit sport, recreation, and community organizations of a sport nature serving the Greater Vernon region.
Successful applicants will benefit from the Community Grant program with an emphasis on projects that will continue to support the growth of sport and recreation in the region.
"Funtastic is proud to be able to support local sports organizations through grants that cover such things as equipment and capital costs for sports-related activities," said Austin.
Since the inceptions of the Funtastic Community Investment Grant program in 2009, more than $300,000 has been given to sports organizations encompassing sports field development, equipment purchases, sports programs and physically challenged support program development.
"Our Funtastic slo-pitch tournament and music festival showcase our community’s volunteer spirit," said Austin. "We highlight Vernon’s exceptional weather, recreation areas, sports fields, and top notch accommodations.This encourages participants to return each year to the benefit of local businesses.
"It is the number one economic driver of the North Okanagan for the summer months and Western Canada’s largest Slo Pitch and music festival."
The 39th Annual Funtastic Slo Pitch and Music Festival takes place June 27-30 at the DND grounds, with funds raised allocated to the Funtastic Community Grant Program.
For more information visit www.funtasticsports.ca.
